Clarke police say they have nabbed most wanted fugitive

Athens-Clarke police caught the man at the top of their most-wanted list Thursday afternoon.

Dion Nesbitt, who police believe threatened to kill a woman and pulled a gun on a police officer in April, was arrested in the woods off Bailey Street.

Police received a tip that Nesbitt was driving in a car near Bailey Street in eastern Clarke County, and after a short chase in the car and on foot, arrested him relatively peacefully about 5:30 p.m., said Lt. Mike Tyndell and Sgt. Sean Potter of the Athens-Clarke Police Department.

"He was one of the ones we never thought we'd take alive," Tyndell said.

Nesbitt, 20, was booked into Clarke County Jail shortly after 6 p.m. on charges of obstructing an officer and fleeing from police. His bail was set at $10,000.

More charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and numerous other felonies will be added, Potter said.

Nesbitt already was wanted on charges of escape and probation violation when, on April 20, the mother of his young son called police to tell them of his whereabouts. He became upset with her when he found out and threatened to kill her, according to police.

Officers came to Bethel Midtown Village to look for Nesbitt that night, and he led them on a car and foot chase through the College Avenue apartment complex.

During the chase, Nesbitt pulled a pistol from his pants and pointed it at an officer, who drew his own gun but held off from shooting when three children crossed his path, according to police. Nesbitt disappeared into an apartment.

Police officials praised the young officer, Jarrod Green, for keeping his head during the chase. They also offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to Nesbitt's capture and placed him on their most-wanted list.